Janelle McKnight was the guest of honor at her retirement party held at the courthouse on Friday, Jan. 30. McKnight, who has held the position of McIntosh County Election Board Secretary for the last five years, stated she was ready for retirement and ready to sleep in.

“As I exit my position as Secretary of the McIntosh County Election Board, I am so grateful that never once during my tenure have we made the national news!” McKnight exclaimed.

“I wish to thank everyone who helps to ensure our elections are conducted with integrity and in accordance with the law. The Election Board doesn’t make the law and sometimes it is hard to understand the why’s and wherefore’s. To achieve accurate and fair election results is not always easy, as there are a lot of moving parts, tests, retests, checks, balances and backups.

“It takes a village—the State Election Board, County Election Board Members, Precinct Officials who work the polling places, those in charge of polling locations, ballot printers, the news media, the Sheriff’s Office and Municipal Law Enforcement personnel, the County Commissioners and County Clerk/Treasurer/Assessor and employees, the District Attorney’s office, sometimes the Judges, and particularly the Assistant Secretary, Stephanie McLaughlin.

“It has been my privilege to serve the voters of McIntosh County and the State of Oklahoma and I am confident that newly appointed Secretary Kim Limbaugh will continue to maintain the highest standards for this office.

“Voters in McIntosh County are in good hands!”